Pakistan’s J-31 Fighter Aircraft Interest: A “Tempest in a Teacup”?
The recent news regarding Pakistan’s reported interest in acquiring the Chinese FC-31 Gyrfalcon, also widely known as the J 31 Fighter Aircraft, has sparked significant discussion in South Asia. Military analysts are debating whether this potential acquisition could fundamentally alter the balance of power on the Indian subcontinent. However, many experts remain skeptical, suggesting that this development is, at best, a “tempest in a teacup.” Shock Naue dives into the comparison between the FC-31 and the formidable Indian Rafale, examining capabilities and implications from an expert perspective.
The EurAsian Times compared the Indian Rafale – a 4.5 generation combat-proven fighter jet from the French aerospace maker Dassault Aviation – and the FC-31 – an under-development 5th generation fighter jet developed by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. On the surface, both aircraft are twin-engine, single-cockpit, multi-role fighter jets, yet their current status and capabilities differ significantly. Pakistan’s interest stems from a need to replace its aging fleet of F-16 and Mirages, making the Chinese fighter jet a seemingly viable option given its economic constraints and technical issues faced by its JF-17 fleet. While the FC-31 is yet to enter the PLA-Air Force, the Pakistan Air Force has officially expressed its interest. This move is seen by some, including Air Marshal Anil Khosla (retired), former Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force, as “a marriage of convenience.” Khosla suggested to the EurAsian Times that “The sale to Pakistan will help China to claim the exportability of its aircraft. The aircraft with PAF will provide the Chinese manufacturer with a free trial ground. At the same time, it will help Beijing in exerting more control over Islamabad by making them more dependent.”
Design and Capabilities: Rafale vs. J-31 Fighter Aircraft
Dassault’s Rafale (meaning ‘Gust of Wind’) was designed with a philosophy focused on maximizing combat power. It stands as one of the most advanced types of fighter aircraft currently operational, designed for omni-role missions. Its versatility allows it to perform seven distinct mission types: air-defense/air superiority/air policing, reconnaissance, nuclear deterrence, air-to-ground precision strike, close air support, anti-ship attacks, and buddy-buddy refueling. The French fighter jet features a delta wing design complemented by close-coupled canards, which enhance stability across the entire flight envelope and improve the Rafale’s combat performance, even at high angles of attack. The extensive use of composite materials in the Rafale’s airframe, accounting for 70 percent of the wetted area, boosts the max take-off weight to empty weight ratio by 40 percent compared to traditional airframes made of aluminum and titanium.
In contrast, the limited publicly available information about the FC-31 suggests it was designed with roles like close-air support and air-to-ground bombing in mind. Its design also features characteristics that indicate it might have been intended for carrier operations. Many observers have noted a striking resemblance between the FC-31 and the American F-35. The flat tail and twin engines of the FC-31 appear to draw inspiration from the F-22, while its front section resembles the F-35. This resemblance isn’t entirely surprising, especially considering a 2014 “U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission” Congressional report that cited a Defense Science Board finding claiming Chinese cyber-attacks siphoned crucial specs and technical details of various US weapons systems, including the F-35. China’s composite material industry had a later start, and while Russia provided some assistance, sanctions have reportedly slowed the import of critical Radiation Absorbent Material (RAM). The J-31 fighter aircraft incorporates a large amount of 3D laser-printed components to save weight. It also features advanced stealth technology, including a carefully designed shape and radar-absorbent materials, intended to reduce its radar cross-section and enhance survivability on the battlefield. When comparing the capabilities of different generations of fighter aircraft, the shift from 4.5 generation like the Rafale to a projected 5th generation like the J-31 highlights evolving design priorities, particularly in stealth.
Engines: Powering the Rafale and J-31 Fighter Aircraft
Engine performance is a critical aspect of any fighter jet. The Rafale is powered by two Snecma M882 new generation turbofan engines, each generating 75 kN of dry thrust and 110 kN with afterburner, resulting in a Thrust-to-Weight Ratio of 5.68:1 dry and 8.52:1 with afterburner. These engines allow the Rafale to achieve a maximum speed of Mach 1.8. Beyond ensuring a high serviceability rate, Dassault Aviation made specific modifications for the Indian Air Force (IAF), including an engine capable of starting at altitudes up to 12,000 feet – a specification crucial for operations along India’s high-altitude eastern border. Shortly after induction, the IAF deployed Rafale jets armed with MICA air-to-air missiles in Ladakh, the northernmost sector, augmenting capabilities amidst heightened tensions.
In contrast, the initial prototype of the FC-31 was powered by two Russian RD-93 engines, which provided an afterburning thrust of 81 kN each. With a Thrust-to-Weight Ratio of 4.82 dry and 7.9 afterburning, these engines were notably heavier and offered less thrust compared to the Rafale’s M88 engines. The engines have often been identified as a potential weakness for the FC-31. Shenyang Aircraft Corporation later replaced the RD-93 turbofans with new WS-13 stealthy engines from Guizhou Aircraft Industry Corporation. This same engine was offered to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) for their technically challenged JF-17 fleet, but Pakistan reportedly refused it. A source told the EurAsian Times, “The Chinese are trying hard to market their WS-13 engine. I am not sure if the engine is any good. But, PAF had refused to accept it for their JF-17s. Now, with J-31 as a sweetener, the WS-13 is going to find its way into PAF. Eventually, it might also find its way into PAF JF-17s.” There have also been reports suggesting the aircraft might eventually be fitted with the more advanced WS-19 engines currently under development. This challenge in engine development has been a recurring theme for Chinese fighter aircraft programs. Pakistan’s decision regarding the Viper fighter aircraft (F-16) replacement is heavily influenced by the options available, and the J-31 is presented as a domestically sourced, albeit developmental, alternative to Western or Russian options.
Armament: What Weapons Do the Rafale and J-31 Carry?
Weapons capability is paramount for any combat aircraft. With an empty weight of 10 tonnes, the Rafale is equipped with 14 hardpoints (13 on the Rafale M version), five of which are capable of carrying heavy ordnance or drop tanks. Its total external load capacity exceeds nine tonnes (20,000 lbs.). The Rafale has been cleared to operate a vast array of weapons, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, bombs, and guns. The Indian Rafales can deploy the Meteor very long-range air-to-air missile, the MICA air-to-air “Beyond Visual Range” (BVR) interception missile, the HAMMER rocket-boosted air-to-ground precision-guided weapon, the SCALP long-range stand-off missile, laser-guided bombs, and classic non-guided bombs. The fighter jet also boasts a 30 mm internal cannon with a firing rate of 2500 rounds per minute. The Meteor missile provides Indian Rafales with a significant advantage, allowing them to engage enemy aircraft over 100 kilometers away without needing to cross border lines. Furthermore, Rafales are slated to become part of India’s nuclear triad once integrated with the Brahmos missile platform.
In comparison, the Shenyang FC-31 stealth fighter can be fitted with one internal cannon, two internal weapons bays within the fuselage, and three payload hardpoints on each of its two wings. Each internal weapons bay can accommodate up to two missiles. The FC-31 is reportedly capable of carrying larger missiles like the YJ-12 anti-ship missile under its wings, but similar to the F-35, deploying weapons externally compromises its stealth features. This trade-off between payload and stealth is a key characteristic of stealth fighter design.
Detailed view of the Chinese J-31 fighter aircraft (FC-31 Gyrfalcon).
Advanced Avionics: Rafale and J-31 Fighter Jets Compared
Avionics play a crucial role in modern aerial combat, providing pilots with vital situational awareness and control. The Rafale was the first European combat aircraft to utilize an active electronic scanning radar (AESA), offering enhanced situational awareness by detecting and tracking multiple targets simultaneously. The Rafale’s “multi-sensor data fusion” system has received praise for its ability to reduce pilot workload and significantly increase situational awareness both within and outside the combat zone. This technology allows the pilot to function more effectively as a “tactical decision maker” rather than simply a sensor operator. Indian Rafales are equipped with the Thales Areos reconnaissance pod, usable from high altitudes and even extremely low levels. They are also integrated with the Israeli Litening Pod to maintain sensor commonality with other IAF fighter jets, such as the Mirage-2000, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29 UPG, and SPECAT Jaguar.
The single-seat cockpit of the Shenyang FC-31 features a two-piece transparent canopy designed to maximize pilot visibility during flight. It is designed to incorporate the KLJ-7A Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar developed by the Nanjing Research Institute of Electronics Technology (NRIET) and a Distributed Aperture System (DAS) optical early warning system. While these planned systems represent modern capabilities, their performance and integration remain to be fully proven in operational scenarios.
Stealth Capabilities: How Do They Stack Up?
Stealth is a key characteristic of 5th-generation aircraft like the J-31 fighter aircraft. The FC-31 is essentially designed with increased stealth features aimed at reducing its radar cross-section. The Indian Rafale F3R, while not a dedicated stealth aircraft, boasts the Spectra system and a low-band jammer capable of jamming radar frequencies, theoretically making it less detectable. However, a military aviation specialist offered a contrasting view: “It is a dichotomy. The Rafale can jam the radars to become invisible, but if the moment a stealth aircraft uses its jammer, he will be caught on the adversary’s sensors.” This highlights a fundamental difference in approach – the J-31 relies on shaping and materials for passive stealth, while the Rafale uses active electronic countermeasures. The French aircraft maker also accommodated specific Indian demands for a different jammer and enhanced radar capabilities like Non-Cooperative Target Recognition (NCTR) mode, Doppler Beam Sharpening, and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) modes in its radar. It also includes Ground Moving Target Track modes. A unique feature of the Indian Rafale, differentiating it from its French counterpart, is the Infrared Search and Track (IRST) sensor. This passive system does not emit radiation, allowing the Rafale to detect and track airborne targets either in conjunction with or independently of the radar, providing a crucial advantage by enabling detection while remaining undetected. Evaluating different types of fighter aircraft often involves weighing the effectiveness of passive stealth versus advanced electronic warfare capabilities.
Combat Proven vs. Under Development: Rafale’s Record vs. J-31’s Future
One of the most significant differentiators between the two aircraft is their operational history. The first Rafale F1 was delivered to the French Navy on May 18, 2001. Since then, France has extensively deployed the Rafale in combat operations across Afghanistan, Libya, Iraq, Syria, and Mali. In Mali in 2013, it flew its longest mission, lasting nine hours and 35 minutes. Throughout its deployments in Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, Iraq, and Syria, Rafale jets have consistently demonstrated their effectiveness and have never been shot down in combat. Notably, during the Libyan conflict in 2011, French Air and Space Force and French Navy Rafales were the first fighters to operate over Benghazi and Tripoli. They successfully engaged hundreds of diverse targets with controlled accuracy, including tanks, armored vehicles, artillery emplacements, storage dumps, command centers, and air defense systems (both fixed and mobile SAM launchers).
This impressive combat record stands in stark contrast to the FC-31, which currently has no combat deployment history. The potential sale to the PAF would likely serve, in part, as an opportunity for the Chinese aerospace industry to gather real-world operational data and script the initial combat achievements for the aircraft type. When considering potential regional threats or alliances, evaluating aircraft like the T-50 fighter aircraft or assessing the capabilities of existing fleets like the F-16s is part of a broader strategic picture that includes developmental platforms like the J-31.
A Dassault Rafale fighter jet, proven in combat, equipped with a Storm Shadow missile.
Conclusion
In the assessment of Air Marshal Khosla, India should certainly take cognizance of developments in its neighborhood, such as Pakistan’s interest in the J-31 fighter aircraft. However, he posits that India should not be overly worried but rather focus on addressing its own requirements. The retired Vice-Chief of the IAF advises against further diversifying the Indian Air Force’s already varied inventory to counter this potential development. Instead, he suggests accelerating indigenous projects like the Tejas Mk2 and the Advanced Multi-role Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Additionally, acquiring more squadrons of the already tested, selected, and inducted Rafale aircraft could be a prudent step. The comparison highlights that while the J-31 represents China’s advancement in 5th-generation technology, it currently lacks the proven combat record and operational maturity of the Rafale. Pakistan’s decision to pursue the J-31 appears driven by necessity and the desire for a modern platform, but its impact on the regional balance of power remains questionable until the aircraft is fully operational and its true capabilities are demonstrated in real-world conditions.
